Step 1: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic – In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Keep Warm – Once the marinara sauce is ready, keep it warm on low heat while preparing the chicken and pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain the Pasta – Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the marinara sauce later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bites

1. Set Up Breading Station – Prepare three bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken Bites – Coat each chicken bite in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
3. Fry the Chicken Bites – Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken bites in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken bites from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
4. Melt the Cheese – Preheat your oven to broil (or use a toaster oven). Arrange the crispy chicken bites on a baking sheet, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top, and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Combine the Penne with Marinara Sauce

1. Toss the Pasta – Add the cooked penne pasta to the marinara sauce and toss until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Plate the Dish

1. Serve the Penne – Spoon a generous portion of the marinara-coated penne onto each plate as the base of the dish.
2. Top with Chicken Parmesan Bites – Arrange the crispy, cheesy chicken Parmesan bites on top of the pasta, ensuring each serving gets plenty of chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish – Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil and a bit more grated Parmesan for a bright, fresh finish.
2. Serve Immediately – Serve the dish hot, pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.